Photo credit: Mazur Travel
The Health Department announced on February 10, 2022, that New Yorkers have the opportunity to apply for permits to operate Green Carts and Seasonal food carts or trucks. Green Carts increase access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and Seasonal vendors offer food in the warmer months, from April through October. Almost 1,000 permits are available –about 750 for Green Carts and about 250 for Seasonal vending units – creating an opportunity for hundreds of New Yorkers to become small business owners.
“Green Carts bring nutritious foods to areas of our city that may have limited access to healthy food,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Making nutritious foods more available and supporting the launch of new small businesses is another step in bringing our city back stronger and healthier for all.”
New Yorkers interested in applying for a Green Cart or Seasonal permit can submit an application online or request one by mail by calling 311 and asking for “Green Cart Permit” or “Seasonal Cart Permit.” Applications to join a waitlist must be submitted by April 30, 2022. The Department expects new carts and trucks to begin to be out on city streets and sidewalks this summer.
Green Carts vendors, who have long offered whole, uncut fruits and vegetables, can now also expand their offerings to include prepackaged sliced and cut fruits and vegetables, bottled water, and unsweetened or unsalted nuts. For more information, visit nyc.gov/greencarts.
All food vendors receive training on food safety practices as part of the permitting process, and the Health Department issues letter grades to the carts and trucks to promote adherence to high food safety standards.
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